Recovering Flu Patient Talks About Being Sick

As the IT Administrator at the North Central Heart Institute, Corey Geier is used to diagnosing computer viruses. But when he caught the flu virus last week, even he was surprised.

“It started off with a little headache, aches and pains but nothing else at first,” Geier said.

He cured those symptoms with some pain reliever. Symptoms the next day didn't go away as easily.

“[It was] more of a runny nose, cough, very deep cough. It hurt to cough,” Geier said, “I didn't even want to cough and it moved on from there. I was basically stuck in bed one day.”

As a hospital employee, Geier knew going into work wasn't an option. He got sick on a weekend and spent three more days at home. Even now almost a week later he's back to taking on technological viruses while the one he caught hangs on.

“I've still got a little phlegm, runny nose and cough, but it definitely doesn't hurt to cough any more and I feel a lot better,” Geier said.

Geier did everything right. He even had a flu shot. He believes that helped keep some symptoms others are feeling, such as a severe fever, away. But he says if you are feeling symptoms of the flu, recognize them and be ready to take a time out.

“Be prepared to miss a couple days of work and/or work from home so you don't get anyone else sick. And get some medicine ready,” Geier said.

Health professionals recommend you to get a flu shot if you haven't had one yet this year. But call ahead to make sure they are still available. Many places have repeatedly run out because of the high demand.